My dear friend and cooking, gardening and back yard foraging extraordinaire, Susan Gouveia, just published an article about uses of the Marigold plant in the kitchen, in the garden, for medicinal purposes and for their beauty!
You see Marigolds growing everywhere in India. They are used to decorate the home during celebrations as well as making garlands. They help to keep the flies away!
In Mexico, Marigolds are used for sacred ceremony including weddings – “Mari Gold” and in alters to remember their loved ones.
In Germany, Marigolds are added to stews and casseroles.
The Marigold plant is so beneficial and nutritious and comes in a variety of beautiful colors!
My 5 Top Tips for Marigolds
In the Garden! Plant in your garden beds. Studies show they may provide great pest control. It attracts bees and hummingbirds and other pollinators.
In the Kitchen! They have a warm, sweet & spicy scent! A great way to flavor salads, custards, eggs & more! (see recipe below)
Visually Pleasing! Sprinkle blossoms on pizza, pasta & other dishes that can use a punch of color.
Healthy! Studies show they may lower inflammation & have antioxidant properties. you can make a tea from the flower and drink it for:
- Digestion
- Inflammation
- Urinary Track Infections
- Cancer sores
- Hemorrhoids
- Skin irritations like diaper rash and jock itch!
- Pink eye
- Athletes foot
- Itchy scalp
Flea bites
Arts & Crafts! Make a necklace by sewing the flowers together. Refreshing for the mind, body & spirit.
I recommend this book called, Gardening with Herbs for Flavor & Fragrance, by Helen Morgenthau Fox which includes some great tips for Marigolds.
Warm Potato Salad with Marigold Leaves
1.5 lbs of small potatoes- 1/2 c fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1/2 c marigold leaves whole
- 1/4 c olive oil
- 1/4 c fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 T of marigold blossoms for garnish
Clean potatoes and remove any “eyes: or black spots.
Place in a pot full of boiling water w 1 T good salt.
Bring to a simmer for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Remove and rinse in cold water.
Place potatoes in bowl and toss with remaining ingredients. Serve warm!
For the original recipe, please click here.
